Three-time Hart Trophy winner Connor McDavid called out the NHL for eliminating themed jerseys from pregame warm-ups, noting his disappointment in the loss of Pride-themed jerseys for Pride Night.
Many NHL players and fans are disappointed in the elimination of themed jerseys from pregame warm-ups that were part of the "Hockey is for Everyone" movement. Commissioner Gary Bettman recently announced these jerseys will not be worn next season, calling the jerseys a distraction. Earlier this week, Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid spoke up in support of themed jersey nights, especially Pride jerseys designed to support the LGBTQ+ community.
The NHL's decision to ban themed warm-up jerseys next season is presumably a result of what occurred with Pride-themed jerseys during the 2022-23 season. Although the majority of players participated if their team wore Pride jerseys, some players chose not to. Their decision to sit out of the Pride jersey initiative and their comments regarding their decision were highly scrutinized and drew attention away from others who were supporting the cause.
Pride Night and other themed nights such as Hockey Fights Cancer and Gender Equality Night will still take place next season. Teams can still raise money for causes by auctioning off themed jerseys, but players will no longer be allowed to wear them.
Connor McDavid speaks out in support of Pride
At the 2023 NHL Awards, Connor McDavid acknowledged that while he can't speak for every organization, the Edmonton Oilers are big supporters of Pride Night and other events that support the Hockey is For Everyone initiative.
"I know in Edmonton, we were one of the first teams to use the Pride Tape," McDavid said. "In our dressing room, we strongly feel that hockey is for everybody. That includes the Pride Nights," he further explained.
McDavid noted that the decision to take away themed jerseys in warm-ups is disappointing. It's not the first time he has shown support for Pride. He made a statement this past season about looking forward to Pride Night, pointing out the importance of inclusivity.
Although the Oilers haven't worn Pride warm-up jerseys on their Pride Nights, they have shown support for the LGBTQ+ community. The Oilers were the first NHL team to use rainbow Pride Tape on their sticks back in 2016. They supported hosting Pride Night earlier than many other clubs. In 2022, the organization hosted a Pride Cup.
As McDavid pointed out, the NHL's decision is disappointing. It's a blow to members of the LGBTQ+ community who were included in the sport by seeing their favorite players supporting them via Pride warm-up jerseys. Players like McDavid speaking out can make an impact.
Tampa Bay Lightning captain Steven Stamkos was asked about the NHL's decision to shut down themed jerseys. He noted that 98 or 99 percent of players were proud to wear the themed jerseys if their team participated. He was frustrated that the focus was on those who opted out, clearly referencing the Pride jerseys.
"I don't think it had to have been a distraction," Stamkos said. "It could have been a non-issue while focusing on the good that was coming out of those nights."
McDavid and Stamkos are far from the only NHL players who believe in making hockey for everyone. Some of the other players who have spoken out supporting Pride Night and inclusivity within the NHL community are Zach Hyman of the Oilers, Jack Hughes of the New Jersey Devils, Kyle Okposo of the Buffalo Sabres, Blake Coleman of the Calgary Flames, and Anders Lee of the New York Islanders. These players, among others, have shown the LGBTQ+ community that there is a place for them in sports.
The NHL taking away themed warm-up jerseys is surely a step back with "Hockey is for Everyone." Following the controversy stemming from the players who opted not to wear Pride jerseys and the NHL's decision to eliminate the warm-up jerseys, some organizations could be hesitant to continue their Pride celebrations. Teams will need to find ways to continue striving to make hockey for everyone, even though the league just did the opposite.